FORMER professional boxer James Chisholm has opened his own base in Southend.

The 29-year-old — who now lives in Rayleigh — fought internationally for Ireland many times.

His successful career, which saw him win all 12 of his bouts under the management of Frank Maloney, ended when he acquired a complicated head injury which forced him to hang up his gloves.

Chisholm also won more than 130 fights as an amateur.

He is now keen to help others follow in his footsteps by setting up a new gym.

He has founded the Locker Room at Southend Central railway station.

And four of the club’s members — Warren Root, Paul Jackaman, Jamie Lee Jones and Dean Welton — have already started to impress.

The four fighters represented Southend in a boxing tournament at the well-known Ring Boxing Club in London recently.

All came out on top in the gruelling tournament.

The result delighted Chisholm and so has the number of people coming into train at the Locker Room.

“People come to a gym for an experience, not a workout.

“And they need to leave feeling motivated — both physically and mentally,” said Chisholm.

“For a few minutes in their day, boxing instills escapism from the real world.

“It’s a desire to reach a goal that nobody sees but you.

“We are there to take that journey with them, every step of the way.”

For further details contact the club on 01702 338402.